Victoria Cruises Sees Increased Demand On China’s Yangtze, Repositions Victoria Sophia On ‘Three Gorges Highlights’ Route
Executives at Victoria Cruises, the only American-managed line on China’s Yangtze River, are reporting increased demand for cruises to the famed Three Gorges from global markets coming into 2017.
The cruise line, which prides itself on upholding the highest service levels for discerning American passengers, has repositioned the Victoria Sophia on its popular Three Gorges Highlights program. The vessel joined the rest of Victoria Cruises’ fleet of five-star ships offering three- and four-night cruises between Chongqing and Yichang.
The 2017 cruise season is now officially open. Victoria Cruises is offering sailings starting at $880 per person, based on double occupancy.
A one-time shore excursion cost of $90 per person-inclusive of all standard excursions-includes an educational tour of the largest hydro-electric dam project in the world, the Three Gorges Dam. Guests experience China’s engineering might with the introduction of the world’s largest ship elevator in Victoria Cruises’ 2017 programs.
Passengers also visit Shibaozhai, often referred to as “The Pearl of the Yangtze,” to observe an impressive 12-story wooden pagoda dating back to the 18th century. For many, the highlight of the cruise is a small-boat experience along one of the Yangtze’s tranquil tributaries via traditional Chinese sampan, where visitors enjoy an up-close look at local life on the Yangtze River (excursions may be substituted at Victoria Cruises’ discretion based on river conditions and scheduling factors).
In addition to the standard shore excursion package, Victoria Cruises offers optional excursions such as a visit to White Emperor City, which overlooks the Western end of the Qutang Gorge. A refuge for would-be kings and poets seeking inspirational views, legend has it that in 25 A.D. white vapor in the shape of a dragon rose from a well and Gong Sunshu, a soldier who had been headquartered there, declared himself the “White Emperor.”
A temple built to commemorate Gong’s reign dates back more than 1,950 years. The optional excursion to White Emperor City is priced at $60 per person.
On upstream voyages, passengers can participate in an optional “Tribe of the Three Gorges” excursion for an additional $45 per person. The optional excursion provides an introspective glimpse into local life in the Xiling Gorge region with opportunities to see Huanglong Waterfall (pictured right), Toad Spring, statues of the ancient Ba nationality, scenic Dragon Stream, Monkey Hill and Lover Bridge. Additionally, passengers meet local fishermen and enjoy a Crying Wedding performance, a custom of the Tujia nationality.
The onboard experience features informative lectures, nightly entertainment and a world-class dining program designed by Emmy© Award-winning celebrity chef Walter Staib. Victoria Cruises is the only American-managed cruise line on the Yangtze River with a culinary program designed for the American palate and with passenger amenities designed to please discerning Western clientele.
Passengers can upgrade their experience with Victoria Cruises’ Luxury Amenities program which offers personalized “white glove” service, upper deck placement, access to exclusive ship areas, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, exclusive happy hour and enhanced culinary privileges from an additional $200 per person, capitalizing on Victoria Cruises’ reputation for gastronomic excellence with à la carte service and wine and beer with dinner.
While all staterooms aboard Victoria Cruises’ luxury vessels feature private balconies from which to observe the picturesque Yangtze scenery, guests wishing to enhance their accommodations can opt for Victoria Cruises’ Executive Suites, priced from $1,340 per person, based on double occupancy. For the ultimate in Yangtze elegance, passengers are encouraged to try Victoria Cruises’ Deluxe Suites or Shangri-La Suites, priced from $1,820 per person, double, and $2,300 per person, double, respectively.
Visitors can combine a Yangtze River sailing with a comprehensive tour of China’s historic cities with one of Victoria Cruises’ reputable tour operator partners, including Isramworld’s Asian Vistas (www.AsianVistas.com), Pacific Delight Tours (www.PacificDelightTours.com), Ritz Tours (www.RitzTours.com) and Travcoa (www.Travcoa.com).
